Pub in London WC2
Coal Hole
91-92 Strand, London, WC2R 0DWClosest station: Covent Garden, about 7 min walk4.3out of 5 on Google, from 2,912 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Coal Hole
Pub in former coal cellar for the Savoy Hotel, with antique tiled floors and real ale selection.
Licensed in 1866 as the Salisbury Tavern and rebuilt in 1891 and again as part of the Savoy Court complex in 1903-4 by the architect TE Collcutt; then transformed into a pub named the Fountains Tavern. The current name is reputed to be derived from its one-time role as a coal cellar for the Savoy Hotel; or, alternative story, because the pub was the haunt of coal heavers working at the quays below. The licence was for wines and spirits only until 1948.
One of London's Real Heritage Pubs, M&B Nicholson's has preserved the original decor, including friezes above the bar and original windows. As part of the Savoy Court block, the building is Grade II listed. The mezzanine floor, if you can get a seat there, gives a good view of the pub's many features.
The clientele consists largely of tourists, patrons of the Savoy Hotel and the various nearby theatres and Charing Cross commuters; prices reflect the very central location. Guest beers are often from microbreweries such as Thornbridge and there are occasional tap takeovers, see venue social media. The food offering includes a pre-theatre menu. Food options include takeaway and delivery as well as eating in the pub.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly
- Sports TV: Certain events shown such as Six Nations
- Quiet
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Real Ale
- Real Heritage Pub
- Disabled Access
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Thursday
- 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Friday
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Mitchells & Butlers
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7379 9883
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.3out of 5 on Google, from 2,912 ratings
5 out of 5Dawn Niemanon Google, September 2024
We just ate at the Coal Hole, and it was fabulous. The shepherd’s pie was over the top amazing. Although the bar was hopping, we were seated in good time for a Saturday night without a reservation. Sophia was a great server, and she saw to it that we had everything we needed. We would definitely go back.
5 out of 5Matt Adamson Google, September 2024
Booked a table here prior to taking my Daughter to watch Mean Girls at The Savoy Theatre which is seconds away. We arrived earlier than expected but was not an issue. We were shown to our table and was given excellent service from Valeria. I had the Fish & Chips, my Daughter had the Chicken Burger. Both were excellent. Can you also tell Valeria, Mean Girls was excellent.
2 out of 5Adrian Margineanon Google, March 2024
passing for a few hours through the center of London we chose this typical English restaurant to eat lunch! I ordered a fish appetizer for 2 people, a burger, and a vegetable pie! the burger was recommended by the waiter as very good! unfortunately all the food was very bad, absolutely everything we ordered! and to remember the fact that both the appetizer and the main course were cooked and brought at the same time!! really?!!! I gave 2 stars for the coffee which was ok! I do not recommend eating here! very expensive!!
5 out of 5David Mitchellon Google, March 2024
We often like to find a small ye olde style pub for a meal when we visit London and this was absolutely perfect. Lots of pie selections to choose from as well as pub classics. Friendly staff and fast service. Decent portions as well which us northerners like. Highly recommend and will be on my list for the next time I visit London.
5 out of 5Marcin Węsekon Google, January 2024
I had a fantastic experience at The Cole Hole in London! The first thing that stood out was the super professional service - the staff was attentive and friendly, making us feel very comfortable. The menu offered a variety of delicious options, and I was pleasantly surprised at how reasonably priced the food was, especially for a pub in London. The quality of the food exceeded my expectations. From traditional pub fare to more inventive dishes, everything we ordered was flavorful and satisfying. The casual yet stylish atmosphere made for a comfortable and enjoyable dining…
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.